Ex opere operato

Ex opere operato is a Latin phrase meaning "from the work performed" that, in reference to sacraments, signifies that they derive their efficacy not from the minister (which would mean that they derive it ex opere operantis, meaning "from the agent's activity") or from the recipient, but from the sacrament considered independently of the merits of the minister or the recipient. According to the ex opere operato interpretation of the sacraments, any positive effect comes not from any human worthiness or faith, but from the sacrament as an instrument of God.^[1]

"Affirming the ex opere operato efficacy means being sure of God's sovereign and gratuitous intervention in the sacraments."^[2] For example, in confirmation the Holy Spirit is bestowed not through the attitude of the bishop nor of the person being confirmed, but freely by God through the instrumentality of the sacrament. However, in order to receive sacraments fruitfully, it is believed necessary for the recipient to have faith.^[3]

^ "Definition of EX OPERE OPERATO". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2022-09-04.
^ Scampini, Jorge A. (688). "The Sacraments in Ecumenical Dialogue". In Boersma, Hans; Levering, Matthew (eds.). The Oxford Handbook of Sacramental Theology. Oxford University Press. p. 688. doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199659067.013.41.
^ Fahey, Michael A. (2009). "Sacraments". In Tanner, Kathryn; Webster, John; Torrance, Iain (eds.). The Oxford Handbook of Systematic Theology. Retrieved 10 December 2015.

[1] "Definition of EX OPERE OPERATO". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2022-09-04.

[2] Scampini, Jorge A. (688). "The Sacraments in Ecumenical Dialogue". In Boersma, Hans; Levering, Matthew (eds.). The Oxford Handbook of Sacramental Theology. Oxford University Press. p. 688. doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199659067.013.41.

[3] Fahey, Michael A. (2009). "Sacraments". In Tanner, Kathryn; Webster, John; Torrance, Iain (eds.). The Oxford Handbook of Systematic Theology. Retrieved 10 December 2015.

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